A student from Lincoln claims he was turned away from an a woman's march in the city because of his gender.

Thomas Cansdale says he turned out in the bitterly cold weather to lend his support to Lincolnshire Rape Crisis' 'Reclaim the Night' event on November 24, which saw women walk from Castle Square to St Benedict’s Square.

The 20-year-old attended with his girlfriend Rhian Richards.

But after arriving in good time and chatting to one of the organisers in a hi-viz top, Thomas says he was told he would not be able to join the march - though he could meet up with the group at the end.

His claim has been denied by organisers of the march, who have claimed they did not turn him away, but the rules did prevent men from going on the march.

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The University of Lincoln student told Lincolnshire Live: "I was disappointed because I wanted to show my support.

"I certainly understand [why they turned me way], but we were unaware it was just for women.

"There is a women's only group on Facebook, it was advertised on that but it made no mention of it being only women.

"After being told, I thought OK, great, and we both had a look at each other and sort of said we are not sure if we can participate now.

"Rhian was not willing to march if I could not."

No men were allowed at this particular march (Image: BPM)

He added: "I felt disappointed because the point of the march is to let people know, particularly men, that they need to get their act together and stop ruining nights out for everyone by doing horrible things.

"We have got to include everyone who can potentially be a victim."

The 'Reclaim the Night' march was organised in a bid 'to end all male violence against women'.

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Ms Wint-McKane added: "I do not feel that this is a case of excluding men, but an opportunity for female survivors of all forms of violence to come together in solidarity and an opportunity for men to support women in doing so.

"This is a community demonstration of zero tolerance of violence against women.

"As I’ve already stated, men are invited to support women by coming together after the march for the closing celebrations and speeches. In fact some men did this."

Lincolnshire Rape Crisis supports both men and women who have experienced rape or sexual violence.

It has bases of operation in Lincoln, Louth, Skegness, Boston, Gainsborough and Spalding.